What's the difference between the timings of these two RAM? What does the 24 in the Corsair RAM mean?

There are typically four timings used to describe a RAM's speed, however the 4th one is not always reported (like in the case of the first RAM you list). The most commonly referred to speed is the first number listed: the CAS Latency.

As to your specific question - it looks like the first 3 timings are identical. The 4th one we can't compare because we don't have the information. You can take a look at this Wikipedia posting - it's semi-technical but hopefully it will provide you with basic understanding.

Cas latency is irrelevant nowadays, you can always tweak and OC the dimms in your bios anyway. What's most important is if they dimms achieve their stated cycle in 1T or 2T. Therefore, there is only four numbers you need pay attention to...

#1 - voltage, nothing over 1.5v and ideally 1.35v. And Haswell will spec 1.35v or lower.#2 - frequency, nothing less than 1600MHz, and nothing more for that matter. 1600 is not just the sweet-spot it's the Holy Grail.#3 - GB. Obvious enough, but make sure your go with the right configuration since your mobo slots will dictate how much you can roll with. At minimum, 2x4 but ideal is 2x8 will give much more headroom on a number of fronts. And ram prices are escalating, so if you're shipping buy what you can now. Prices are quite likely to double within 6-10 months!#4 - height of the dimms. Many tall heatspreaders, flashy shells or goofy cosmetics (like the Vengence) make stuffing 'em under an big proc heatsink impossible. Make sure you have the clearance.

Now if you want a dimm set with all these attributes all wrapped together, gander over the Samsumg magic ram or the Muchkin Blacklines.

Latency is a useless spec, and it's only there for marketing now and days. Latency in RAM has improved very little. Take for instance DDR400 with a 3-3-3-8 timing. It will do each thing in 7.5ns - 7.5ns - 7.5ns - 20ns. Then take a DDR3-1600 module with 9-9-9-24 timing. Sounds bad right? Well... it does each of the things in 5ns - 5ns - 5ns - 15ns.

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